We hiked at Rockhound State Park before arriving to hike amongst these large boulders.We snagged a first come first serve electrical site so stayed for six nights in comfort.The Table Mountain in the distance is beckoning us to climb tomorrow.A 5.2 RT hike to Table Mountain to survey the park – volcanic boulders made of volcanic tuft.On the Trail – another beautiful day in January.With reasons to celebrate after that hike.The coconut cake was better than spinach to build strength.Leaving we went over Emery Pass and the gorgeous snowy views.Sunrise with the birds and coyotes in Bosque del Apache NWR.Not as many cranes still here as last year but what a view to enjoy with breakfast. https://tealsky.com/2021/02/08/san-lorenzo-and-bosque-del-apache/Heading north after a wonderful take out of New Mexican food – some of the best food with green chili.A beautiful sunset welcomes us home before the next storm.
In El Paso, Texas we visited Chamizal National Memorial and learned some US-Mexican History.We have a chamizo in our yard! We planted a four-wing saltbush.Presidents Kennedy and Johnson finally made this land border official with the new river route.It is now a cultural center as well with this wonderful mural on the building.We camped 4 nights at Poncho Villa State Park and learned a bit more of border history.The train ran though Columbus, New Mexico (3 miles north of Mexico) – a pleasant small town.Well that’s all folks for close to the border!
Valley of Fires BLM for 4 nights with full electric – such a nice area to camp.Enjoying our wine o’clock outdoors on 12 January – beautiful day.Travato has 48,000 miles of fun – and a great pullout to commemorate.The Smokey Bear Historical Site has added this tribute to firefighters since we were last here in Capitan in 2016 when the Travato had less than 10,000 miles.Only YOU can prevent forest fires.We walked around Ft Stanton NHS before an Oso Good Chili Burger & Chicken fried steak at Oso Grille in Capitan.Memorable end to a great day trip before heading to Three Rivers Petroglyphs BLM.Two nights with electrical here with very pleasant walks among these petroglyphs.Oliver Lee State Park, Site 19, was one of 2 sites not reserved. We had to go online to reserve after we got there and only available for one night but was worthwhile.We only did a short hike but beautiful cactus and other desert landscape.Our destination was a small pool that creates a waterfall after rains.Almost full moon rise with a beautiful sunset – right from our campsite.White Sands National Park hike to Alkaline Flats, marked with these poles.Interesting wind patterns create an oasis with vegetation.So many interesting sand/wind formations.We were able to get our Site #1 at Aguirre Campground in Organ Mountains National Monument – BLM.Getting ready to hike Baylor Pass somewhere behind me.Looking across to Pine Tree Loop which we will hike tomorrow.Testing aerodynamics against the wind.The full moon setting at sunrise. This is not photo-shopped – it is really what we experienced.
We dispersed camped here at San Lorenzo Canyon BLM area to enjoy the sunshine.We walked into the canyon areas and enjoyed the natural beauty of the rock formations.Interesting colors and layers – very fun to climb on and explore. We were here last year and it was worth returning. https://tealsky.com/2021/02/08/san-lorenzo-and-bosque-del-apache/Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument has 3 different areas that were built by 17th century Spanish Franciscan missionaries in Native American areas.These were huge cathedral style buildings built in the ancestor puebloan style using stones from the local areas.Really wonderful construction details and such height!The third building has a different type of grey rock in the area which was interesting.An area to learn how to be an archeologist – sifting out the sand.
4 January 2022 – clear roads beckoned us to head south into New Mexico.We explored Los Alamos with a nice take out spicy lunch. Then Bandelier National Monument where had our choice of any campsite.We hiked from campground at top of mesa to the Valley below to enjoy the remnants from the past.Gorgeous scenery along the way – keeping our eyes open for cliff dwellings.Ladders to reach those dwelling above us.A rock formation that looks carved but is natural.The second day we hiked further down the canyon to the waterfall where we enjoyed sunshine and solitude.
